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Three of her sons — triplets Fernando, Alejandro and Armando — came through the gate with Hendersonville law enforcement personnel for the traditional opening of the Henderson County Special Olympics.

The trio, who have muscular dystrophy, rolled around the track in their wheelchairs, wearing smiles of their own as officers pushed them toward the torch that would officially kick off the event. Robles-Resendez, who was also at the event with her children Mario and Evelyn, had no clue her sons would be involved in the opening ceremonies.

“I'm really, really happy and excited,” she said afterward, hugging her children proudly.

The trio handed off the torch to Alex Suder, who lit the torch and started the games.

Athletes threw softballs and tennis balls and competed in shot put. Wheelchair racing and walking and running events were also held for athletes 8 years and older. There was also an Olympic Village that included a bean bag toss, long jump and ring toss, among other activities.

For the athletes, the chance to get out and have fun in the sunshine was enough to make the day unforgettable. That was the case for Robert Dehond, who was on the Vocational Solutions team.

“I like doing it,” he said. “It's fun. The fun part is doing it for the Special Olympics and the shop where I work. It's special to me.”

This is the second time around for event organizer Jane Ollis, who is the Special Olympics coordinator for Henderson County.

“It's a lot of hard work,” she said. “It's all worthwhile when I see how happy it makes the athletes.”

<p>Olga Robles-Resendez was standing along the track at Hendersonville High's Dietz Field Thursday morning when she saw a sight that put a smile on her face.</p><p>Three of her sons — triplets Fernando, Alejandro and Armando — came through the gate with Hendersonville law enforcement personnel for the traditional opening of the Henderson County Special Olympics.</p><p>The trio, who have muscular dystrophy, rolled around the track in their wheelchairs, wearing smiles of their own as officers pushed them toward the torch that would officially kick off the event. Robles-Resendez, who was also at the event with her children Mario and Evelyn, had no clue her sons would be involved in the opening ceremonies. </p><p>“I'm really, really happy and excited,” she said afterward, hugging her children proudly.</p><p>The trio handed off the torch to Alex Suder, who lit the torch and started the games.</p><p>Athletes threw softballs and tennis balls and competed in shot put. Wheelchair racing and walking and running events were also held for athletes 8 years and older. There was also an Olympic Village that included a bean bag toss, long jump and ring toss, among other activities.</p><p>For the athletes, the chance to get out and have fun in the sunshine was enough to make the day unforgettable. That was the case for Robert Dehond, who was on the Vocational Solutions team.</p><p>“I like doing it,” he said. “It's fun. The fun part is doing it for the Special Olympics and the shop where I work. It's special to me.”</p><p>This is the second time around for event organizer Jane Ollis, who is the Special Olympics coordinator for Henderson County.</p><p>“It's a lot of hard work,” she said. “It's all worthwhile when I see how happy it makes the athletes.”</p><p>Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or at joey.millwood@blueridgenow.com.</p>